Last Man Club, directed and written by Randy Sharp, brings an eye-opening view into the horrors of the American Dust Bowl during the 1930s. The set is remarkably successful in transporting the audience into the time period and creating believable scenery for the occasion. Although the production design is moderately simple, the costumes, props, lighting and perfectly timed sound creates an authentic atmosphere and experience of enlightenment to the history of America’s anguish in the West.

The entirety of the play takes place in one room of a ruined farm owned by Major, played by David Crabb, possibly the only sane character in the production. Sadly, although Major is the main character and protagonist, he lacks a certain energy that would deem him a good actor. Fortunately, every other character’s surplus of energy and passion makes up for Major’s lack thereof. Major lives with Uncle PoGord, a neurotic and skittish man (played by Spencer Aste), his younger sister, Wishful Hi (Lynn Mancinelli), who suffers from brain damage and has chilling visions due to it, and Saramybride (Britt Genelin) who was ruined by a man named Harland a few years back. The group has recently had an economic loss, not only due to the dust damage to the farm, but also since their brother left for a better life in California taking with him all their savings and trust.

The peculiar group is surprised when a visitor comes by the farm, an unusual occurrence. The traveler with the odd name of Middle Pint (George Demas) comes with an idea that might change their lives. Middle speaks of an invention that creates water, the essential and above all wanted item of the west. Middle needs an investor to help make the machine and believes that Major could be the one.

Middle leaves, but soon after another stranger makes his way into the farm further surprising the group. The man claims to be a scientist named Henry Taper played by Brian Barnhart, who is passionate about the small farmers’ of the west and the incompetence of the government who do little to help them. When Middle Pint returns to the scene the surprising and confusing ending of Last Man Club is revealed.

The Axis Company’s play is all in all a success with the superb setting and sound as well as the vigorous actors who put all their selves into becoming the worn out, fanatical and broken characters of the poor West. The writing and plot is confusing at times and the audience is left with many questions of why or even what happened. But, this uncertainty kept the audience thinking and talking well after the actors took their bow. This off-off Broadway play was located at Axis Theater, and closed on March 30th.
Note: Photo taken from NY Times, attributed to Dixie Sheridan.